Avon Lake Seniors Targeted In Publishers Clearing House Scam

AVON LAKE, OH — Two senior citizens in Avon Lake were swept up in a Publishers Clearing House scam this month. An alert clerk at Walgreens stopped the seniors from losing money on the ploy.

The seniors were told they had won a $4.5 million grand prize and a car. To claim their prizes they needed to pay $500 in fees using gift cards.

The seniors went to Walgreens and tried to purchase $500 in gift cards, but were stopped by a clerk. The clerk told them they were likely being scammed and encouraged them to contact Avon Lake police, which the seniors did.

Police learned someone named Dan or Preston was supposed to drive the prize car to the seniors' home, along with a check covering their winnings. Officers staked out the seniors' home, but no one ever showed up.

The seniors were told about common scams targeting older Ohioans and advised on how to avoid losing money.